September 2015

The weather has been so good this weekend and I thought the best way enjoy it was with another day on the water. Today, we departed from the Julington Creek Marina, and with a little throttle the boys soon have a blast maintaining their balance as the boat pops up-and-down. Adam says they’re surfing.

So, as we’ve done so many times before, we head up the St John’s to The Jacksonville Landing. Our destination? The ice cream shop! So, scoops all around…and a beer for me. 😉

When we visited the fort last week, Adam signed-up to become a Junior Ranger. He was given an activity book and the opportunity to either complete select portions to become a Junior Ranger, or complete the entire activity book and earn recognition as a Master Junior Ranger.

The Junior Ranger receives a National Ranger Service gold badge, which is quite an achievement in and of itself, but the Master Junior Ranger receives a badge, a special patch, and a certificate of achievement. Naturally, Adam had to earn the Master Junior Ranger level, which he did. Although we could’ve mailed the activity book to the National Park Service to receive his rewards, this achievement required an in-person visit, which we did yesterday.

The Ranger at the fort reviewed his activity book and even quizzed him on some of the details. Adam did very well, and was very proud of himself. As was I. 🙂

Today, Adam and I hit the water in St Augustine. We left out of the marina on Camachee Island and headed “downtown”. The inlet channel was a little rough today, but Adam loved the bumpy ride, and was grinning from ear-to-ear.

As we passed by the “Old Fort”, we noticed they were about to fire the cannon, so we hung out for a few minutes and watched the show.

There was a lot of traffic on the water today, but once things opened-up a bit, I was able to let Adam take the wheel. As we headed down the channel, Adam was singing, “Yo-Ho! Yo-Ho! A pirates life for me!”

Labor Day. The boys are out of school and I’m enjoying the final hours of a much-needed 3-day weekend! What better way to spend the day than a visit to America’s oldest city, which just happens to be a mere 20-miles away. This week marks the 450th birthday of St Augustine, and we joined the many visitors absorbing its rich history. The highlight of the day was our visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, affectionately known as the “Old Fort,” and the boys are excited at the prospect of becoming Junior Rangers!

We parked down the street at the Mission of Nombre de Dios, which is known for the park with the world’s largest cross, and walked to the fort. We came in from the west side and stopped for a quick picture in front of the San Pablo Bastion.

Tickets in hand, we climb atop the unfinished Ravelin, which is a triangular outer work that originally protected the fort’s front (and only) entrance.

As part of the Junior Ranger program, the boys have to ask one of the park staff members why he or she likes to work at the fort. They selected this man, who said he volunteers to “educate visitors and enhance their experience”. Adam especially liked the “army” uniforms the staff wore

Atop the terreplein, the boys explore the San Carlos Bastion…

and some of the canons on display…

then pose for a picture with Mom.

We had a great time. After the Old Fort, we headed down the street to a little Irish pub for an early supper…and a beer 😉